JCP&L Continues Tree Trimming to Enhance System Reliability

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Sept. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) forestry contractors are scheduled to trim trees in more than 60 municipalities over the next two months as part of the company's ongoing efforts to maintain proper clearances around electrical equipment to help protect against tree-related outages.

Since the beginning of the year, work has been completed on more than 2,000 circuit miles as part of JCP&L's approximately $28 million tree trimming program for 2016. An additional 1,400 miles are expected to be completed by year-end.

JCP&L's tree trimming program is conducted by certified forestry experts under the company's direction. The work will take place in the following counties and municipalities:

JCP&L regularly trims or removes trees and conducts other vegetation management work along its electric distribution lines on a four-year cycle to help reduce tree-related outages. The company's certified forestry experts inspect vegetation near the lines to ensure trees are pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree, while also maintaining safety near electric facilities. Trees that present a danger or are diseased may also be removed.

As part of the process, JCP&L works with municipalities to inform them of tree trimming schedules. In addition, customers living in areas along company rights-of-way also are notified before work begins.